Kids love trying new food and things, and cooking with them is not only fun but also a great way for them to learn! Cooking with preschoolers helps them develop important skills while creating special memories with their parents. From making pancakes to adding toppings to ice cream cones, the colorful ingredients and delicious treats keep them engaged while they learn about measuring, counting, and cause and effect.
Scrambled Egg
One of the easiest cooking activities for preschoolers you can begin with is making scrambled eggs. Just remember to supervise them closely when using the oven. Start by showing them how to crack eggs and mix them carefully. Here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- Eggs
- Butter
- Milk
Method:
- Crack the eggs into a bowl and beat them well.
- Add a splash of milk and beat a little more.
- Melt some butter in a pan and pour in the egg mixture.
- Stir continuously until the eggs are cooked and scrambled.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Peanut Butter Cookies
Preschoolers enjoy fun food activities because they get to feel and see how food changes while cooking. Making peanut butter cookies is a fun way for them to learn and play. Here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of peanut butter
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 1 egg
Method:
- Mix peanut butter, brown sugar, and egg in a bowl.
- Roll the dough into small balls.
- Place them on a baking sheet with space between each.
- Use a fork to make patterns on the dough.
- Bake at 180 degrees for 6–8 minutes.
Frosted Cookies
Baking with preschoolers is lots of fun and can be messy too! Try making frosted cookies. It’s a great way for them to practice spreading icing and improve their motor skills. Here’s how:
Ingredients:
- Any pack of cookies or biscuits
- Frosting
- Food dye
Method:
- Take some fresh cookies or biscuits.
- Mix the frosting with food dye to make it colorful.
- Spread the frosting on the cookies using a small spatula or knife.
- You can also add sprinkles on top if you like.
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
Dipped strawberries are a favorite treat for everyone, especially toddlers! They’re simple and safe to make. Here’s how:
Ingredients:
- Strawberries
- Chocolate chips
Method:
- Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every fifteen seconds until smooth.
- Dip strawberries halfway into the melted chocolate.
- Place them on a clean baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Take them out and enjoy your tasty treat!
Mug Cake
One of the top exciting cooking activities for toddlers with an easy recipe is the Mug Cake. It’s super simple and perfect for preschoolers who love chocolate and cake. Here’s how to make it in a coffee mug:
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp white sugar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ cup flour
- Chocolate chips
Method:
- Mix melted butter, sugars, and egg in the mug.
- Add flour and mix well.
- Stir in chocolate chips.
- Microwave for one minute, check consistency and heat longer if needed.
Mini Pizza
Making mini pizzas with kindergartners is a blast! Here’s how:
Ingredients:
- Ready-made pizza dough
- Grated cheese
- Tomato sauce
- Toppings like spinach, mushrooms, olives, etc.
Method:
- Roll out the pizza dough with a rolling pin.
- Make fun shapes like mini circles or hearts.
- Spread tomato sauce on the dough.
- Sprinkle cheese and add toppings.
- Bake following the dough pack instructions.
Sandwiches
Making sandwiches is simple and yummy! It’s a great activity for preschoolers. Here’s how:
Ingredients:
- Tortillas or bread
- Meat of your choice
- Condiments like butter, mayo, and mustard
- Toppings like pickles, lettuce, cheese, etc.
Method:
- Spread condiments on the bread using a spatula or butter knife.
- Add meat and toppings.
- Cut the sandwich into halves or quarters.
Popsicles
Kids love fruit juice popsicles, especially on hot summer days! They’re healthy, yummy, and easy to make. Here’s how:
Ingredients:
- Any fruit juice flavor (like mango, orange, pineapple, etc.)
Method:
- Pour the juice into a popsicle maker.
- Place wooden sticks in the open end.
- Freeze for 3-4 hours.
- Once frozen, take them out and enjoy!Fruit Salad
Making colorful and healthy fruit salads is a great activity for kids. You can give them a safe knife and fruits like grapes or bananas to chop with supervision. It’s good practice and makes a tasty meal. Here’s how:
Ingredients:
- Any fruits like grapes, cherries, bananas, oranges, etc. Choose fruits that can be cut safely with a blunt knife.
Method:
- Cut the fruits into small pieces.
- Mix all the fruits in a bowl with your hands or a spoon.
- Ready to eat!
Rice Krispies
Kids enjoy marshmallows, and making rice krispies treats helps them see how marshmallows and butter change when heated. Here’s how:
Ingredients:
- 5 cups of Rice Krispies
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1 packet of marshmallows
Method:
- Melt the butter in a saucepan.
- Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted.
- Slowly add Rice Krispies and stir until coated.
- Turn off the heat and transfer the mixture into a pan.
- Cut into shapes like circles or squares and let cool.
Have an Unforgettable Time with Cooking Activities that Preschoolers will Love
Get ready to have fun in the kitchen with your little ones! From fruity popsicles to tasty mini pizzas, there’s a cooking activity for every day. So grab your ingredients and start creating delicious memories together!